Day 1:
We, Peter on a 1200GSA, Kevin on a 1300GS and me on a 12 G/S left a wet and windy Portsmouth for Caen on the 0800hrs Brittany Ferries earlier today, arriving into Caen at 1500hrs local time to sunshine. In stark contrast to my experience on the Liverpool Belfast ferry, this French ferry was in a class of it's own i.e. nothing was deep fried or micro waved. From the full Anglais breakfast to lunch, cleanliness, politeness of the staff, efficiency of the guys strapping down the bikes, it was excellent. Well worth the £81 return journey for the 6hr trip.
When I thought about posting a thread about the trip, I was initially excited about three mates riding through France enjoying company, history, food and wine with the odd twisty road. But, at our first stop at Pegasus Bridge, a few miles from the ferry terminal, I was immediately struck by the sacrifice of our brave boys, and girls, especially on June 6th 1944. Suddenly all the chat we had on the ferry about the trivial pursuits of live seemed irrelevant, almost disrespectful when compared to their sacrifice. It would be easy to write on but I will let the pictures do the talking.
This evening, we enjoyed true French cooking, wine and hospitality at Le Bouchon du Vaugaueux in Caen. We would all happily return to this restaurant and the Eur42 three course meal of terrine, pork chop and cheese was perfect. A must do if you are visiting Caen.
Peter, is however banned from ever booking a hotel for the group again. Yes, if you want budget, then the Eur75 B&B Caen Sud hard shoulder, petrol fumed, truck noise hotel, and I use the term loosely, is the spot. The noise of the traffic will at least blot out his inhuman snoring, It was a Eur20 Uber ride into town to Rue du Vaugeux.
Day 2 reports to follow.
Jeremy
We, Peter on a 1200GSA, Kevin on a 1300GS and me on a 12 G/S left a wet and windy Portsmouth for Caen on the 0800hrs Brittany Ferries earlier today, arriving into Caen at 1500hrs local time to sunshine. In stark contrast to my experience on the Liverpool Belfast ferry, this French ferry was in a class of it's own i.e. nothing was deep fried or micro waved. From the full Anglais breakfast to lunch, cleanliness, politeness of the staff, efficiency of the guys strapping down the bikes, it was excellent. Well worth the £81 return journey for the 6hr trip.
When I thought about posting a thread about the trip, I was initially excited about three mates riding through France enjoying company, history, food and wine with the odd twisty road. But, at our first stop at Pegasus Bridge, a few miles from the ferry terminal, I was immediately struck by the sacrifice of our brave boys, and girls, especially on June 6th 1944. Suddenly all the chat we had on the ferry about the trivial pursuits of live seemed irrelevant, almost disrespectful when compared to their sacrifice. It would be easy to write on but I will let the pictures do the talking.
This evening, we enjoyed true French cooking, wine and hospitality at Le Bouchon du Vaugaueux in Caen. We would all happily return to this restaurant and the Eur42 three course meal of terrine, pork chop and cheese was perfect. A must do if you are visiting Caen.
Peter, is however banned from ever booking a hotel for the group again. Yes, if you want budget, then the Eur75 B&B Caen Sud hard shoulder, petrol fumed, truck noise hotel, and I use the term loosely, is the spot. The noise of the traffic will at least blot out his inhuman snoring, It was a Eur20 Uber ride into town to Rue du Vaugeux.
Day 2 reports to follow.
Jeremy
